Special Education Certification
Improvements in the diagnosis of learning disabilities at earlier ages have resulted in an increase in the number of students requiring special education. From now until 2018, the number of special education teachers is expected to grow 17 percent to more than 550,000 positions nationwide.* These teachers must be highly-skilled individuals who understand the complexities of their students’ needs, modifying curriculum, and providing remedial instruction.
The School of Education prepares special education teachers for these challenges.
The Special Education Certification program seeks to produce professionals who are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies they require to meet the needs of students at risk for school failure and students with disabilities in multiple settings. The program is intended for those interested in gaining greater skills and expertise and a teaching certificate in the area of special education.
Note: This program is for currently certified teachers holding either a Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certification. Out of state teachers may also earn their PA Special Education Certification if they transfer their current teacher certification to PA.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010-11.
Curriculum
The Special Education Certification program is a flexible, convenient part-time graduate program consisting of 31.5 credits
in Core Special Education Certification courses. For students that have not completed the prerequisite courses, the
program will require 40.5 credits: 31.5 credits in Core Special Education Certification courses and 9.0 credits in
prerequisites for certification in special education.
Course descriptions may be found in the Drexel Online Course Catalog.
Prerequisites for Certification in Special Education (9.0 Credits)
| Code | Name | Credits |
| EDUC 542 | Fundamentals of Special Education | 3.0 |
| EDUC 544 | The Inclusive Classroom | 3.0 |
| EDUC 546 | Literacy and Content Skill Development | 3.0 |
Core Special Education Certification Courses (31.5 Credits)
| Code | Name | Credits |
| EDUC 547 | Special Education Processes | 4.5 |
| EDUC 548 | Emotional and Behavioral Support | 4.5 |
| EDUC 549 | High Incident Disabilities | 4.5 |
| EDUC 550 | Teaching Students with Low Incident Disabilities | 4.5 |
| EDUC 551 | Pervasive Development Disorders | 4.5 |
| EDUC 552 | Integrating Technology for Learning and Achievement | 4.5 |
| EDUC 553 | Special Education: Methods and Practices | 4.5 |
Special Education Certification
Credits earned in the Special Education LeadershipCertification program may be applied to the Master of Science in Special Education. The M.S. program offers three relevant and timely concentrations in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Technologies for Special Education; and Languages and Cultural Issues. Students may also work with their academic advisor to develop a customized concentration to meet specific objectives.For admissions information and to apply, visit Drexel Online.
More information on the Special Education Certification is available on the Teacher Education website.
